The submissions going in to this review are now gradually appearing on the site. Without singling any of them out, I suggest you go and browse them. You'll be glad you did because you'll get some laughs - there are some real crackpots.
The deadline for submissions has been extended from 30 January to 28 February, so, fellow Aussies, please do take the time to make a submission now that it's opened up a bit. At the very least, support the idea of freedom of speech, because one outcome of this review could easily be new laws that chill legitimate criticism of religion.
About Me
- Russell Blackford
- Australian philosopher, literary critic, legal scholar, and professional writer. Based in Newcastle, NSW. My latest books are THE TYRANNY OF OPINION: CONFORMITY AND THE FUTURE OF LIBERALISM (2019); AT THE DAWN OF A GREAT TRANSITION: THE QUESTION OF RADICAL ENHANCEMENT (2021); and HOW WE BECAME POST-LIBERAL: THE RISE AND FALL OF TOLERATION (2024).
1 comment:
Please bear with a crackpot while I Quote a great speech;
“For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus -- and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.” Barak Obama, inaugural speech 2009.
With all that in mind;
Christians don’t have the right to monopolies on morals, civic duties, education policies, medical dilemmas or scientific directions. Muslims don’t have a right to dictate on alcohol prohibition, dress codes or women's issues. Jew’s can’t expect special treatment when it comes to discrimination laws and Hindu’s don’t get to set the menu. Nonbelievers have to get in line if they want the same respect others receive in regards to being entitled to your opinion.
My choice to be known as a non-theist, should not distinguish nor discredit me when commenting on any of the above subjects but represent the thrust of my argument as a guide and a courtesy to others involved in any debate where it is relevant. Their particular beliefs should not influence my logical processes when assessing their input and all participants put in the same boat. Recently, I have noticed, Atheists have been making a pain of themselves when commenting on others rights to believe what they will, in a similar way that new bourn (again) Christians do until they have matured in the faith or till youthful exuberance exhausted.
Let us all settle down when it comes to telling people what they can or cannot believe and join together in BO’s vision of ushering in a new era of peace.
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